Life University Athletics

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. --- The No. 2 Life University men's wrestling earned a clean sweep at Rocky Top Duals in Gatlinburg, taking down four ranked opponents in the impressive 5-0 day.

Saturday's first dual matched Life U up with Montreat as the Running Eagles easily cruised through the Cavaliers, not dropping a single bout. On their way to a resounding, 51-0 victory, Life U earned three total pins and four tech falls.Antonio Saldate earned the first pin in the least amount of time just moments into the first round. Tyler Brandt followed him up with a pin of his own in 3:57, while Spencer Dacus earned his in just 0:24. The four tech falls came from Alexander Couto, Jaden New, Riley Smucker and Timothy Barr.

In the next dual against No. 15 Lindsey Wilson, the Running Eagles again dominated, taking down the Blue Raiders 42-4. Winning all but the matchup at 133 lbs, Kolby Dempsey got things started with a  5-1 decision at 125. Bret Minor then earned a pin at 141 before things really got going with tech fall wins for Cole Homet, Brevin Balmeceda, Jaden New, and Riley Smucker. After that, Tre Morrissette picked up a win via forfeit before Demarco Lee (11th) scored a upset, beating a wrestler ranked 12th, 8-1. The final match saw Zane Lanham control his ranked opponent to a convincing 10-1 major.  

Next up, Life U maintained its undefeated record taking down the University of Cumberlands 34-11. The dual between No. 2 and No.9  started with a tech fall in favor of Cumberlands. Antonio Saldate then quickly regained the advantage for Life U, pinning his ranked opponent. Tyree Johnson then earned another pin at 141 before the next two bouts at 149 lbs and 157 lbs ended in major wins for Life U. First up, Avant Stepherson majored his opponent 12-2 before Balmeceda continued his domination on the day majoring his matchup 10-2. Next up Stephen Villalobos earned six more team points after an injury. At 174 lbs Morrissette kept things going with a win via decision. Then, Kyle Homet earn a tech fall, and Timothy Barr and Spencer Dacus both earned decisions to close out the convincing 34-11 win.

Against Cumberland, the Running Eagles came up short in the first four duals, losing two majors and two close decisions to fall behind 14-0 to start the dual. The team's first win came via tech fall, Balmeceda dominating his opponent 15-1. An upset came at 165 lbs for Life U as Jaden New beat No. 23 Eli Clemmons in a close 6-2 decision. No. 1 Smucker then defended his rank, controlling no. 3 Cole Smith in an entertaining 11-5 decision. Kyle Homet and Feliciano then ended the dual with back-to-back pins for the Running Eagles.

In the final dual of the day, the Running Eagles faced #8 Campbellsville. Again dropping the bout at 125 lbs, the Running Eagles made up ground quick at 133 lbs as Antonio Saldate earned another tech fall. The two teams then traded losses at 141 and 149 before Balmeceda won a 4-0 decision over no. 13 Antwuan Burns. Tre Morrissette picked up the next win for Life U, earning an upset over no. 6 Brice Parks via a 7-5 decision. The Running Eagles then claimed each of the final three bouts as Tyler Brandt pulled off an upset at 184, Demarco Lee upset no. 10 Grayson Stevens, and Spencer Dacus upset no. 18 Jaden Sonner in a 2-0 decision.

Head coach Omi Acosta spoke on the weekend and results earned, "First, I want to thank God for giving us the opportunity to compete. Second, I want to say thank you to all the teams who made Rocky Top Duals a success… We found a lot in ourselves and we were able to pull through some adversity and I'm really satisfied with how the guys reacted in the tough situations. We're going to continue to get better, were going to continue to prepare for National Duals, we're going to go on a much needed break and were going to continue to strive to be the best we can be. In everything that we do. From my coaching staff and the team, we wish everyone happy holidays and a happy New Year. LUCHA!"

The Running Eagles next compete in the new year, traveling to Des Moines, Iowa for National Duals January 5-6th.